Bernie (Aka: Bubbe) came 1 year and 4 months early!

[Jenibelle]

If you were following my "Watch Me Build My Tank" thread, you will know that I wasn't supposed to get a hamster until after I graduated college.

But when a hamster chooses you, a hamster chooses you! Am I right, or am I right? And it just so happens, this specific hamster even won my boyfriend over. Now THAT means business. We were both just so smitten that the boyfriend offered to care for him all by himself while I'm away at school... so Bernie (aka: Bubbe) came home way earlier than expected.

Question though... he is already pretty tame. He has no problems being lifted from underneath, or pet. He hasn't warning nipped or anything. Both my boyfriend and I have held him. And he has taken food from my hand. We are both doing the tissue trick, but should we give him time to settle, or can we love on him when he is really up tonight?

Here are some pictures from when he was exploring his new pad!
(You will notice that his sand area is not totally filled with sand - that will come in by the 6th. He also does not have a wheel yet, but it is ordered with express shipping, and will be in within 2-3 days).

Does he look healthy? How old do you think he is? He was with 2 of his male siblings still at the pet shop. The lady at the pet-store estimated that he was 3 months old, but wouldn't that be much to old to still be cuddly with his brothers? Besides, he seems small.

"Whoah, what's this?"
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie3_zpspnx13cw2.jpg

"Can I climb it?"
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie22_zpsvmrzo2zn.jpg

"Maybe.. but let's check out the inside first..."
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie6_zps1e5wcaxs.jpg

"The inside was nice, Mama!"
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie7_zpsi3pz8yrt.jpg

"Wait a second... I think I smell something familiar..."
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie8_zps7jo6ael7.jpg

"...My old bedding! Let me rub my face all into it."
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie10_zpsepckgie0.jpg

"Just as a suspected... this is a good vantage point."
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie11_zpsgdwq22p8.jpg

"Hmm, I wonder what's down here? Let me just peak my head over, to make sure it's safe."
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie13_zps5mebso5p.jpg

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie14_zpsveptmx8t.jpg

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie15_zpswywrelkl.jpg

[Jenibelle]

"And what do we have HERE? I better give this thing the sniff test."
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie19_zpsnjvq1ida.jpg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie18_zpskwya1yd2.jpg

"Wha? You mean I can eat it?"
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie17_zpsoxzvekf2.jpg

"Mama and Papa say I can eats you. You will be nommed!"
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie16_zpspok68edv.jpg

"Hello down there!"
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie21_zpsduwyhuam.jpg

And here is the little bugger showing off his skills:
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Bernie21_zpsn7gyubqq.jpg

[DrKMcK]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL! Oh, is he beautiful. How exciting! I just love him in the cage exploring everything. He'll be fine with all that until the wheel comes in. This guy is living in style!
Seriously, he's having a great beginning. I would let him settle in tonight and give him some time to call his wonderful new place HOME. Talk to him and pet him a bit if he allows it, but remember, this is all new and exciting (stressful) to him too. Too much at once could overwhelm him.
With him capturing both of your hearts, this little guy will have such a great life. He's home one day and you've done a gorgeous photo spread of him.

Congratulations!!! You're a Hamster Mom! :-D

Edit: Oooooo. I just realized...a Happy New Year Hamster! Who could ask for more?

[BrainGirl]

LOL you are so right! The hamster rules:D Congratulations!

[Jenibelle]

Hahaha, thanks!! It's crazy how things work out sometimes. I was so sad leaving him last night, and I think the boyfriend really caught onto that. I've played with plenty of hamsters without longing to bring a specific one home, but this one was different. So the boyfriend agreed to come with me when I visited him today, but it turns out it was much more than just a visit! :)

[Coco61]

Welcome to HC Bernie. You are going to have a wonderful 2016 little guy!
Great photoshoot Jenibelle, showed him exploring all your loving and hard work.
You have read enough here to know to let him settle down and make this his home. No cleaning out and take the taming at his pace. If he is happy with you then fine but don't be disheartened if he takes a little time.
Congratulations again to you both.

[Jenibelle]

Thank you so much :)
I hope I'm not getting my hopes up, but I honestly don't think it will take him long to settle. I visited him multiple days at the store and he was so love able and curious both times.

[cypher]

Hello Bernie :)
What a little beauty! Congrats :)
He does look very confident exploring there but he does need to make his new house feel like home & adjust to everything so I would still go slow & let him settle for a few days.

[cheekytita]

Hahahaha I first read your thread about his potty-ing and I was a bit confused like 'Is this the same girl building the tank? I thought she would get a hamster after a year?' Then this thread cleared my head. Haha but I can't blame you... Bernie looks reeally really cute in the photos. Even captured my heart!

[Pebbles82]

He is beautiful and looks like he's really enjoying his cage. I agree I'd leave him 2 or 3 days to settle in and then or he may get freaked with too much too soon. Then start with a treat on the palm of your hand and let him walk onto your hand.

[Bertiebobbins]

Ha! I knew you wouldn't hold out until you graduated!! He's lovely.

[flowerfairy]

So nice to see him exploring his wonderful new home.

Looks like taming is going to be a piece of cake too once he has settled.

[Jenibelle]

I followed your guys advice and left Bernie alone for the remainder of the night. That wasn't too hard seeing as I already had over night New Years Eve plans, but I felt MUCH less guilty about leaving him his first night due to your replies.

When I came in this morning I filled up his food bowl. I tried to be quiet but I suppose I disturbed his sleep because he came waddling out of his home. I started talking to him gently and he came right to the glass, like he was following my voice. I kept talking and he started standing on his hind legs, so I slowly put my hand out in front of him and he climbed right on!!

I'm still going to take it slow though. I didn't lift him or anything, I just held still until he climbed off a few seconds later. He then took a little look all around his tank. I kept talking to him until he went back into his house. This entire process lasted for less than 10 minutes.

It appears that Bernie had a lot of fun last night though!! His sand is all scattered and it appears that he has played with both hanging chews! He also used all of the tissue I left for him and made a little nest! I have more tissue in the nook of my arm currently.

This little man is a dare devil though. Before I left last night we caught him (multiple times!) climbing his water bottle to jump off into the wood-chips.

[Bec]

Welcome again little Bernie, love the pics and he really is an explorer.
Seems like he is settling in very quickly, and sounds like you are going at his pace which is good.

Sounds like you're both going to enjoy taming this little one.

Will enjoy following his thread. :)

[SugarFairy123]

LOLOL! Those captions were hilarious XD! Not to mention how lovely he is !! Wow I wish I had such a friendly , sweet hammy . Loved the pics of him exploring his new cage .I bet taming will go great for both of you :)

[Jenibelle]

He does love exploring, it seems!

I gave him a bit of turkey and I think he really enjoyed it :) it was a very small piece and the boyfriend is going to give him another when he gets home too.

Unfortunately my computer is broken, so no more pictures of the little guy until they repair it and send it back to me.

[Jenibelle]

Oh gosh, I hope Bernie's wheel comes in soon, he seems so restless! I'm sure he would enjoy a good spin right now.

He is going bizerk exploring! As I'm writing this, he is currently attempting to scale his water bottle again. He is a dare devil who really enjoys climbing. I've already had to slightly tweak his tank to make it safer for him, because the little guy found out that he can climb on top of the bendy bridge wall and use it as a balance beam. Before it was bent a bit and kitty cornered, but I feared that he might fall into that corner and become stuck, so I straighten it out a bit so there are no longer any gaps between the bridge wall and the tank wall.

This little guy deserves a spot in the hamster resistance network, I'm sure! I had his lid off because I'm talking to him, and he literally CLIMBS OUT OF THE TANK via his shelf. I put my hand out to block him and he crawled right onto it. I have the screen on and locked now but he keeps returning to that corner, trying to push it up with his itty bitty paws.

I know you guys are worried about me moving too fast, but I swear this little guy is ready to move faster than even I originally expected. I kept placing my hand in front of him and he climbed on and up my arm, right out of the cage, multiple times! I think he stands on his hind legs as a way of saying, "I want up!".

[BrainGirl]

Nah, I don't think anyone's really worried:) We may advise erring on the side of caution but we also say to go at the hamster's pace. This little one is clearly a sprinter!;)

[Jenibelle]

That he is!
I really, really enjoy reading another members "Dear Journal" entries, and I think I would enjoy writing them as well, so here it goes...

Dear Journal,
I wasn't as active yesterday as I usually am. I have fully explored my cage and now I'm just waiting patiently for my wheel to come in. Mom said it should have already, but it may have been delayed because of my adoption day. Yeah, that's right... Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated my adoption day. They called it "New Years", and I guess everyone got so worked up that the mail people forgot to go to work.

Mommy did make me a new toy though, but she says I'll quickly grow out of it. It's a toilet paper tube with sisal glued all around it. It's fun to chew and to roll on. I climb on and just roll right off! I also really love going through it. Mommy says she's on the hunt for a larger tube because she doesn't want me becoming stuck in it.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsz98kimzf.jpeg

Oh yeah! And I also got this new bedding called "care fresh" yesterday. It's mixed in with my old wood bedding, but it's really cozy and soft and I brought a whole bunch of it into my home!

I wish I could play with papa but I'm told he has a cold. Mom says he isn't allowed to touch me. I can tell dad is upset about this too, but he doesn't want me getting sick so he complies.

Keep your paws crossed that my wheel comes in today!
Xoxo
Bernie

P.S.
Mom was very pleased with me for giving her a lot of nice clear pictures last night! This is one of them.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmbbskg88.jpeg

[BrainGirl]

LOL! Yes, Bernie, you cutie pie. We all stopped what we were doing and celebrated your adoption day:D

[SugarFairy123]

Yes yes Bernie your adoption day was celebrated far and wide and guess what ? There were even fireworks just for you ;) ;) ;) Hope your wheel comes in soon . Btw that toilet roll / sisal string toy was genius !

[Pebbles82]

Wow! He's a real character. Lovely that he walks onto your hand! Hope the wheel comes soon! He'll have a field day lol!

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
Someone told me that they held fireworks on my adoption day. I didn't know what those were so I "googled it" (silly humans, switching nouns for verbs!), and it turns out that the stars got so excited that they exploded into a ton of mini colorful stars! How neat is that? ...at least, that's what I gathered fireworks are from the photos.

But journal, you will not believe what my mom did to me today! She has made me a very grumpy hamster. She moved my tank around... She scootched my house over a whole inch (messing with my hoard in the process), put a dish in my wee-wee corner (she calls it a "potty"), and moved my water bottle to the other side of the tank! She claims it was a necessary evil to fit my new wheel in. She even had the audacity to say it's partially my fault, because I could have picked any other corner for my wee area but I had to pick the one where she planned to put the wheel! Can you believe her? She should have known I would have picked front right corner of the tank... That is where I went at the pet shop after all, and she knows it!

My wheel is pretty awesome though. I've been on it all night, and I think mom and dad like it too, they keep gushing over how quiet it is. Even though I love my wheel though, I'm still angry with mom. She's trying to make it up to me with more tissue bedding and treats, and although I accept the delicious peace offerings, I'm still going to pout. I'm also ignoring mama (unless she has treats). When she puts her hand in my tank tonight, I'm just going to walk past it, or maybe give it a sniff... But I will absolutely not walk onto her hand tonight! Her actions must be punished. She needs to know that her rearranging will not be tolerated.

Xoxo,
Bernie

Me on my new wheel:
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsvrf2iby9.jpeg

Here I am angrily eating mama's peace offering:
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpst3fb47wp.jpeg

And pouting in the corner:
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpszfvd4mfl.jpeg

[BrainGirl]

LOL his face! You are so in the doghouse right now:D

[Jenibelle]

Dear Diary,
I'm not as grumpy today, but I still haven't completely forgiven mama yet. I miss her, so I've come close to giving her my love a few times, but I've stayed strong for the most part today! I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep my grudge though.

Oh!, but remember how mom said she had to move my things in order to fit my wheel, and that it was my fault for wee-weeing in the one corner she had plans for? Well to spite her, I piddled in a brand new place today! I couldn't help but smiling when I saw mom's reaction! She couldn't believe that I actually peed in a new place. I played the innocent card though, I think she's under the impression that I was just attempting to help. I'm the baby who can do no wrong in her eyes. I already have her wrapped around by intsy bitsy paw.

I really love my wheel. I run on it a lot and that makes me tired, so I take little naps in weird places now.

Xoxo,
Bernie

Mom caught me smiling just a bit;
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsufsjuw9f.jpeg

Me smirking when mama saw my piddle! What a hoot!
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsnmnvvcft.jpeg

And spontaneous naps in the open:
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgakbgezt.jpeg

[Thin Lizzy]

Oh my goodness! He's a very cute, adorable and handsome boy! Congratulations on Bernie. I totally agree that hamsters sometimes choose their owners and little Bernie has made the perfect choice!
I love his home - brilliant!

[Pebbles82]

I love his home too. The wheel is looking good - I like the dark colour.

[Jenibelle]

Thank you, he's been with us for a week today and I can't imagine not having him around. It's going to be hard going back to school, but I know he'll be in good hands </3

The wheel is much better than I expected. The dark green isn't so shiny. It's extremely bulky though (the pipe is huge), and the back is extremely unsightly!! The boyfriend suggested painting the pipe to help it blend in more. I'm going to look for a tan hamster safe paint. On the plus side though, it is absolutely silent. Seriously - silent!

And thank you for the compliments on his home. I had so much fun doing it! His sand should be in today, and I'll post an update on his home then because then it will be officially finished!

[BrainGirl]

LOL he does look like he's smirking:)

[Hamster Paradise]

He is Adorable and what a Fabulous home you have created for him to explore and he looks like he is enjoying every single nook and cranmy of it. Enjoy him and have fun :)

[cypher]

He really is the most adorable character lol! I love the angry/pouting shots, he obviously likes to make his feelings known, he must be really happy now he has that great new wheel now & he has such a great home I'm sure he can't be mad at you for long & there'll be plenty more of those little smiles to come :)

[Jenibelle]

He does appear to be very expressive! I'm hoping he climbs back on my hand tonight. Last night he gave me sniffs and put his front paws up once, but he didn't climb on. I partially blame the wheel xD I think he's too excited about it to give me attention. The wheel is more fun than mommy hahaha!

[Elliiy]

lol i just finished reading all the journal entries and this is so cute it looks like bernie really likes his home and really feels at home with you which is great I'm in the process of taming my little hammy and let me tell ya it can be hard to be so patient but worth it in the end :) i can't wait to read more journal entries and bernie is super adorable :)

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
I was just too exhausted to write last night. I gave mom and dad quite the fright! (Gee, I should look into poetry...)

Last night was pretty horrible.
My parent's think I was having some sort of allergic reaction to my new sand. Mom noticed that I wouldn't come out of my house, which isn't like me. I'm just glad she didn't put a mirror in front of me when I did wobble out! My parents say I was itching a lot and looked very uncomfortable, that I was breathing heavy, and was huddled in a corner falling asleep (nearly 3 hours after my wake up time!). I must have been a sight for sore eyes, huh?

I flinched every time mom tried to pick me up, but she knew I needed to get out of my tank, so she just picked up the dish that I was sitting in. She put me in my travel tank, and her and dad started scooping all my new sand out.

Once I was out of the tank I soon began to perk up. I began to try scaling the walls so papa picked me up while mom worked on the sand. All was fine and dandy at first but then I started getting excited and nervous, so mom put be back in my travel case (she says she didn't want to "overwhelm me").

But journal, I didn't want to stay in the travel tank!
So when my parents were preoccupied with saving my life, I managed to surprise EVERYBODY by actually climbing out of the tank! I escaped, I was free!

Mom quickly saw that I was missing and her and dad began the search. They're good at this search and rescue thing... My papa spotted me in under a minute. He is lucky he did, because I was just about to dash under the radiator!

I was scared so I nearly bit mama when she tried to get me (in all honestly my teeth never even touched her, but I lunged!), so dad came with my mason jar and they scooped me back up in that. Then they put me back in my travel case with the lid *on* until they were done with the sand.

P.s.
I pooped on dad a lot last night.

Xoxo,
Bernie

-------------------
Guys I feel terrible. I know last night terrified him. I took a happy, healthy, cuddle monster and turned him into a skittish lunger ;(
But I don't have a dead hamster, and that's the most important thing. The sand didn't kill him and he didn't get far with his escape. I just feel so horrible.

[Pebbles82]

I've had nights like that lol. Glad you caught him. It's a tricky one at the moment as if it wasn't the sand aggravating him, then taking it out will affect his behaviour a bit too, as it's another change. But if his breathing was affected that does sound a bit iffy. What kind of sand was it? It sounds like taking it all out was a good move. For now you could just use all substrate. Sand isn't essential and I only use it in the potty. Charlie doesn't like sand at all lol.

Once you've replace it - it might be best to let him have 2 or 3 quite days without handling to help him settle again and get back in a routine.

[Thin Lizzy]

Aww poor Bernie. He'll be fine but, I would leave him a few days to mark his cage and settle.
Stop blaming yourself, the main thing is Bernie's safe and yes you both got a fright but you'll both get through it.
Chinchilla sand is the recommended one to use.
I know if you use normal sand, you have to go through a process of it being baked in the oven.

[Jenibelle]

It's Sandtastik play sand. I got it from Canada because it was the safest sand I could find! He didn't react poorly to the last shipment I purchased from Amazon, but I bought this batch straight from the company. I noticed afterward that the company includes optional cleaning directions... So I'm not sure if the actual company didn't clean it as well as Amazon? Maybe Amazon already pre-cleaned their batches before shipping them out?

We still have a lot of unused sand so the boyfriend suggest we try again after cleaning it. The directions say to put it in a bucket and run cold water through it, while agitating it. I don't know though, I don't know if I want to risk it.

But he really liked his sand area before last night. So I'm stumped on what to do.

ETA: I didn't know about the baking. Can someone give me more information on that, please?

[Thin Lizzy]

I would clean then, follow the instructions on the pack.
The baking thing, a member on here did that but, I can't remember the name sorry! Try looking through the threads regarding sand in the forum.

[Jenibelle]

I'll take a look, thanks!

[cypher]

How does the sand look compared to your first batch? If it's finer or dustier that might cause a problem.
I'm not sure about how you bake it or dry it out if you do wash it to clean it, tried doing a forum search & all I could find was put it in a pyrex dish & bake on a high setting which isn't exactly specific, but baking is for drying it out as much as sterilising it.
I would leave the sand out for now if you're worried about it, he may not be too happy but better that than having a bad reaction, I know it would work out more expensive but maybe you could find a good chinchilla sand & use that instead?
I don't change my sand baths often, just scoop out any pee or poo & it lasts for ages so even for a large area you don't need that much in the long run.

[BrainGirl]

I've baked sand before. Partly to kill any nasties that might have got into the bag, but also to dry it out completely. You can use any oven safe dish but it will heat up and dry out faster in a wide shallow one like a pizza pan. Cook it low, maybe 200-250F.

[Jenibelle]

I honestly couldn't tell you Cypher, I mixed the new and his old together to help maintain his scent so I can't even compare them now :/

As far as chinchilla sand, the stores near me sell dust. One sells sand, but in very tiny premeasured packets literally big enough for the company's small bath that they sell.

Thank you both for the information on baking. I may try to clean this, then let it air dry for a few days, and then bake it. But THEN I worry about Bernie getting used to not having sand, and I wouldn't want to stress him again by reintroducing it :/

[cypher]

Maybe just introduce a smaller sand bath once you've got your sand ready, if he enjoyed it first time around I doubt he'll get mad at you for giving it back!

[Jenibelle]

That's a good idea. He really did seem to like it. He would dig holes in it, and then fill them back in lol, it was very funny to watch.

[Pebbles82]

I would go with replacing the sand area with substrate and letting him settle in and then introducing a sand bath later. As for baking I thought you needed very high temperatures to sterilise things that way. I have read of people setting up whole areas of sand and the hamster hating it! Maybe the depth of the sand freaked him out or something. But with the breathing difficulties, he could be sensitive to the type of sand. There are a number of different types and all have their pros and cons for hamsters. There are some quite heated debates about sand and hamsters.

Someone had a similar problem to you here (but without the breathing difficulties)

http://www.hamstercentral.com/community/hamster-healthcare/45405-allergic-sand.html

I think I remember coming across a forum where parents were anxious about using children's play sand because of the silica in it, which is supposed to cause health risks if breathed in. Some people/hamsters will be more sensitive than others.

[Jenibelle]

That's why I imported this sand from Canada... No silica in it! I mean if the bag says "silica causes cancer, and oh yeah, this has silica in it so wear a respirator with prolonged use"... It's certainly not safe to play on, for hamsters or children!

I really love the idea you gave about a deep dig area. I think I'll pick up some more care fresh and give that a go!

[BrainGirl]

Silica is only as dangerous as it is dusty. Rather than being poisonous the dust irritates the lung tissue when it's breathed in and can trigger abnormal cell growth, ie: cancer. No dust, no cancer;)

[Thin Lizzy]

You can't go wrong with a deep dig area! Twinkle prefers to dig under her house, this causes her house to rise and she so cleverly does it by making strong foundations to support it. When she first did it, I sat looking at it for ages lol!

[Jenibelle]

I'm going to go to petsmart soon to buy another large bendy bridge to finish off the wall for a deep dig area :)

But in the mean time...
Dear Journal,
I have been in hiding the past few days, but I decided to stray into the open again last night. I even walked across mom's hand and took a treat from her, which she is very pleased about.

Tonight I made a new nesting area under my wheel. My parents love it because they can see everything I do inside of it. I think I should make more chill spots that are pushed up against the glass.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsd7lqoucu.jpeg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps90f23uy0.jpeg

Also, for your viewing pleasure...
http://rs1008.pbsrc.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3bl5ols1.jpeg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip
Mom says if she takes one hundred photos, one will come out clear. Well, this was the one that came out clear!

Xoxo,
Bernie

[cypher]

That is just too cute :)

[flowerfairy]

Omg how lovely. I do like barred cages for interaction but the view from the glass one ... really really cuute.

[Jenibelle]

I absolutely love his new little hoard spot, I hope he makes more! Haha.

[Coco61]

What a super sweet little guy he is. A great pic of him all sleepy.

[Jenibelle]

My favorite part is that he fell asleep holding his pellet, sucking on it slightly lol

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
Mom beautified my cage today. In the process she wiped all the pee and dried on wood shavings off my wheel. I didn't really appreciate her unmarking my territory (I mean, how else are other hamsters supposed to know that's MY wheel?), so I peed on it again right away! She also made me a new digging area. It's really deep, and filled entirely with my softest bedding. I may Give it a go eventually, but so far I've just been cautiously sniffing the new bridge that connects the digging area to the main section of my tank. I mean, digging seems cool and all, but I'm too preoccupied with my wheel right now. Speaking of my wheel, I just realized it spins both ways! How neat is that? I've been running on it one way for a few minutes, and then turning around and running the opposite direction for a few minutes, before switching again!

Close up of new digging area;
http://rs1008.pbsrc.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgmczmktu.jpeg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip

Sniffing the new bridge;
http://rs1008.pbsrc.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsdjozhocj.jpeg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip

Xoxo,
Bernie

[DrKMcK]

CUTE ALERT!!! I love sleepy hams holding onto food. zzzz chew, chew. zzzz chew, chew. :-)
And that perky little face in the last photo? Instant smiles! :-)

[Thin Lizzy]

Oh my goodness! The pic where it says about getting the right pic, Bernie looks like he's smiling!
Cuteness overload! And the pic above made me go Aww!

[Jenibelle]

He gives the cutest little expressions when he stays still! Hehe

[Thin Lizzy]

Looks like he's gotten over the sand incident!

[Jenibelle]

Unfortunately there is still a lot of progress to be made up :/ he seems to be hand shy now. He will come up and sniff when I put my hand in the tank, and he'll take treats, and yesterday he even walked over my hand... But I realized today that if I go towards him he gets very jumpy on contact (so I'm not going to do that again).

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
I don't have too much to report on tonight. I slept, I ate, and I ran. Oh, oh! And I ate and ran at the same time... Talk about multi-tasking, right? I know, I know. I'm pretty impressive!

I also ate baby food for the first time today, it's yummy.

Here is a picture that captures my multi-tasking super powers.
http://rs1008.pbsrc.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsjglzfgin.jpeg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip

Xoxo,
Bernie

[Thin Lizzy]

Bernie the multitasking hammy! That pic is so perfect!
Sometimes, they don't like fast movements from us, your hand might have been too quick but, I think you're doing really great and he's probably still getting used to you.

[Jenibelle]

Thanks for the encouragement Thin Lizzy :)

I had to say good bye to Bernie today :( I did a very small spot clean of his cage and fed him some baby food this morning, before leaving for college. Bernie's "grandpa" (my boyfriend's father, whom we live with) will be watching after Bernie for a few days, as my boyfriend is spending a few nights with me here before heading home. Once the boyfiend returns home, it's just him and Bernie until I came back for a visit in 2 weeks.

I'm sad. It's already hard enough leaving my boyfriend and family, and now I'm leaving this little guy behind too.

So this thread will be very quiet until I return home, just a heads up.

[flowerfairy]

For an awful moment I thought you meant 'goodbye' forever ...

Hope you have a good time whilst you are away and that your little guy gets lots of lovely attention from 'grandpa' and boyfriend.

[Pebbles82]

Sorry - had to laugh at boy 'fiend'! Mwahahah.

Bernie is really coming along - he's adorable. He probably just doesn't like 'the hand' in his cage. Charlie still runs away from my hand even now (because it's in his space). He's fine out of the cage.

[strandedinaber]

Sorry to hear that you're going to be separated from him, Jenibelle. It's always hard! Can you get your boyfriend to send you daily photos? I always find photos help when I'm missing friends & family.

[Thin Lizzy]

I thought the same as flower fairy and my heart nearly jumped out my chest! Lol!
Your BF and Grandpa will spoil him and deservedly so.
2 weeks isn't long, make sure your bf takes pics of Bernie as he'll change lots.

[Jenibelle]

Sorry for the scare, it wasn't a forever good bye thankfully!

I will ask the boyfriend (not "fiend"! XD) to take lots of pictures, I'm sure he's going to grow a ton!

[Snowz]

Bernie, how adorable! lovely photo too.

[Jenibelle]

Thank you greatly!

[Nancy's Hamsters]

Oh now BF must learn how to come on HC and share those piccies as we want daily pics too :D

[Jenibelle]

Hahaha! Whenever he sends them to me I'll share them with you guys, promise!!

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
Long time no talk! Dad wasn't that great at getting pictures of me. He says I'm too fast and they all came out pretty blurry. Mom is home this weekend though, so I have some new pictures to share!

Mom cleaned my tank a little and made a few changes, but the changes are very welcomed. My digging area is so much bigger now. She also moved all of my rocks into one big pile that I can climb on. They were being used as decoration before, but who needs decoration?? This is way more fun! I overhead mom and dad talking, and I think they're going to give me a sand bath again soon, too! Here are some pictures of my new layout.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsngbqup2j.jpeg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsci1dlihu.jpeg

I also got two new toys.... a really big tunnel, and a new wooden-rolly thing that holds my food inside. I like rolling it around to get my big pellets out. It's kind of tricky, but I'm getting the hang of it with practice!
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsex5xzxed.jpeg

Dad did a really good job of caring for me when mom was away. He let my tank get a bit messier than mom would have, but I didn't mind. I always had plenty of food and fresh water, and he even bought me this delicious worms! I like the worms so much that mom says I can only have them when I'm out of my tank. I think she's trying to bribe me for affection... she's a mastermind, but I got to hand it to her... her plan is working! Last night I willingly walked right out of my tank into her hands, all on my own! Those worms man, they're just too good to be true.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsijzcxib6.jpeg

I don't have anything else to say, so I'm just going to overwhelm you with my cuteness instead.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps7ijtvg2p.jpeg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsnibffzyp.jpeg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpstmbfatgx.jpeghttp://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsdh6thxhi.jpeg

Xoxo,
Bernie

[Coco61]

What a lovely set of photos. He is growing up so beautifully. The rearranged set up is great. I do love that upper shelf you made.

[Pebbles82]

Wow that looks really good. I prefer it like that. He is so adorable and photogenic!

[Jenibelle]

Thanks guys!!
I really love setting up tanks. I told my boyfriend we should get another hamster, just so I can design another tank xD I already know that the next one will have two shells, covering the length of the shorter sides. Them I'm going to put the wheel in between them on the back wall.

I like his tank more this way as well. The wheel is where I originally planned to put it, before he made that corner his wee corner. Thankfully he changed wee corners though and has taken to his new potty, so I moved it to where I wanted it before (which means he gets a much larger dig area!).

We also gave him a small sand bath after we baked the sand on 400 for 35 minutes. The boyfriend will keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't react badly to it.

[cypher]

He looks totally adorable & really happy in there!
I know just what you mean about wanting another ham so you can set up another tank lol! I love doing set ups & want to do another as soon as I finish one ;)

[Jenibelle]

Thank you Cypher!

Luckily for the boyfriend we literally have no space for another tank right now. We only have one room to live in currently, and I already had to rearrange everything to make room for Bernie's tank. Besides that, I still have a few tricks up my sleep for Bernie's tank! I'm going to put his wheel on a very small platform. I plan to do this because he pees on his wheel, and then kicks bedding in so the bedding dries onto it. This means I need to totally scrub it down every 1-2 weeks or so, which I'm sure he doesn't love xD. So hopefully the platform will keep the bedding off. And I'm also buying him a hanging swing box thing.

[Thin Lizzy]

Oh Bernie, you really know how to pose, mega cute pics!

[Jenibelle]

I'm sure Bernie appreciates the compliments! :) lol

[Nancy's Hamsters]

Oh come come now Jenibelle,
You seem very DIY able just go buy yah a few pieces of 2 X2 and build a unit where a 2nd tank can be placed right above or below Bernies and it won't take up any more floor space just more WALL space Hehe ;)

[Jenibelle]

Hahaha! I may be able to handle putting something together with wood and glue that will hold a hamster's weight, but I don't trust myself making a legit piece of furniture meant to support a tank xD

Who COULD do that is my boyfriend's father though... Hmmm...!

[Jenibelle]

....
messed up this post >.>

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
Things have been so great! I've been living in my rearranged tank for about two weeks now, and I absolutely love it set up this way. I am able to climb onto everything and practice my balance beam skills, I love my new tunnel, and I'm so excited that my sand bath is back.

....Did I mention that I love my tunnel?
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpskxzx2hvr.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskxzx2hvr.jpeg.html)
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zps7iuohtqv.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps7iuohtqv.jpeg.html)

Mom is home for the weekend and she says I did really well in my taming session tonight. She gives me these delicious worms when I'm outside of my tank, but I pouched them all and put them neatly in my food bowl when I returned to my home.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zps8tk3imng.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8tk3imng.jpeg.html)

Speaking of my pouches, I'm really getting the hang of using them. Just look at these cheeks in action!
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpsfyu7xnow.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfyu7xnow.jpeg.html)

I can even drink with them stuffed...
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpshwpq73ts.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpshwpq73ts.jpeg.html)

I heard mom and dad talking, and I guess I'm getting weighed tonight too... whatever that means... ! I guess I'll keep you all updated on that when I find out more information. In the mean time, here are some adorable photos of me.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpsc3h14cya.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsc3h14cya.jpeg.html)
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpshpejsbvp.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpshpejsbvp.jpeg.html)

Xoxo,
Bernie

[Jenibelle]

Just a small update... We tried to weigh Bernie for the first time last night, but we didn't realize that our small scale only weighs up to 100 grams!! XD we know Bernie is at least 90 grams, because the cup he was in weighed 10grams.

We're going to have to find a new scale for our little guy.

[Hamster Paradise]

Bernie's a Big Boy and sooooo Adorable :) Love the pics and looking forward to hearing more from Bernie :)

[Jenibelle]

He still seems so tiny to me, I think he has some growing to do still! But I'm excited for when he's a great big boy at full size.

[cypher]

Really lovely pictures of your sweet boy!
Definitely need some new scales lol!

[Jenibelle]

It's on the "need to buy list"! Haha. I'm actually about to make a thread asking for recommendations.

[Pebbles82]

He's adorable and looks to be enjoying his cage. I only have a small set of scales I picked up in a charity shop - like a plastic container on top of a dial. But I quite fancy some of these

Salter 1036 Slim Design Electronic Platform Kitchen Scale - Black: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Salter-Design-Electronic-Platform-Kitchen/dp/B000ZNM51O/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1455647376&sr=8-7&keywords=digital+scales)

[CMB]

I have a pair of salter scales and they work well. I used them to weigh a baby parrot that I was hand raising.

[Jenibelle]

Thank you both so much for the suggestions!

[Thin Lizzy]

What wonderful pics of Bernie, that last pic with his paws on the bendy bridge looks he's playing the drums lol!

[Jenibelle]

Lol, I can see that now that you've pointed it out!

[Thin Lizzy]

And on the drums, we have Bernie, a beginner but a fast learner. Now just imagine him doing this to the Phil Collins song "In the Air Tonight" the drum bit is brilliant!

[Mweekie]

Aww Bernie aka Bubbe is gorgeous! And I absolutely love his set up as well and love the journal he is writing also.

Looking forward to reading more of Bernie's adventures lol.

Mweekie xx

[Jenibelle]

lol he is quite the musically talented little hamster! XD

And thank you, Mweekie! I think "Bernie" is going to do another journal entry before I head to work lol.

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
I'm sorry I haven't been writing, I've been a very busy guy... completing very important hamster business... But I have found some time in my hectic schedule to let you in on a very, very important secret: The humans have buckets of delicious treats!!

When my mom took me out of my tank a few days ago I was a little uncertain, but then she plopped me into this bowl of ingredients that must have been sent straight from Heaven. Okay, okay... really dad got these treats for me, but he must have connections with the big wheel in the sky.

There are sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, peanuts, banana slices, oats...! I can't stress this enough: I was going absolutely bonkers. I've never loved my parents so much before in my entire life.

Unfortunately, they are aware that I shouldn't have these delicacies every day... But maybe on the days when I'm extra cute they willl let me feast again....

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsnjssyli7.jpeg?1456260828305&1456260828865
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsvzzs3rsw.jpeg?1456260828305&1456260828865

I also got those carrot chews in the background, and a little granite platform for my wheel. Dad got me the platform so my bedding doesn't dry onto my wheel anymore, because I have so much fun while on my wheel I forget to get off to pee *blushes*

Xoxo,
Bernie

[Pebbles82]

Lovely photos! He looks very happy.

[Jenibelle]

Thank you!! He definitely was lol

[Thin Lizzy]

Oh goodness me, I love him so much. So cute and his character is shinning through, Bernie oozes confidence.

[Jenibelle]

Aw!! He's absolutely a heart snatcher lol

[cypher]

I'm totally smitten by his ears lol!
He does look a happy little guy :)

[Jenibelle]

Haha, I've been told that he has "the biggest ears on a hamster" (that this specific person has ever seen) xD I love his dumbo ears.

[Hamster Paradise]

You certainly have been very busy and my goodness such wonderful treats too I bet you are trying to look extra cute every day now so you get to raid the Heavenly treats...hee hee I will let you in on a little secret...you are as cute and Adorsbke as any Hammy could be and your mom and dad are going to have a real hard time refusing you those extra nice treats on the days when you are not supposed to have them hee hee ;)

[Jenibelle]

It'll absolutely be hard to resists his little begging eyes XD

[Jenibelle]

Just a super quick update to share a photo that my boyfriend sent me today. He caught Bernie waking up to grab a quick drink :)

Also... I'll be home for spring break all next week, so be prepared for daily Bernie journals again!

[Thin Lizzy]

So looking forward to your daily journals. Love the pic of Bernie on the bottle.

[Jenibelle]

Is it just me or does it look like he's grown a lot since I've been home last?

[Pebbles82]

I thought it looks like he has grown too - but it might just be the angle. He looks nice and healthy there.

[Jenibelle]

I'm will to bet that his "papa" let him raid those treats more often than we discussed... ! XD

[Jenibelle]

Okay guys, this won't be written in Bernie's voice because I'm SO excited. His playpen came in today so we had our first real, official taming session (we don't have a bath tub to utilize). We've had him out a couple times before this, but they haven't ever been this relaxed. This playpen was one of the best purchases I ever made for him.

Just a picture to show the size of his playpen.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpsmlvnpaeq.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmlvnpaeq.jpeg.html)

Bernie sat on my leg!!
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpsbqeegdds.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbqeegdds.jpeg.html)

And he came onto my hand multiple times (with the help of some very enticing treats, haha!)http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpsi4reip52.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsi4reip52.jpeg.html)
(There were a few times where his entire body was on both my hands)

Here a few pictures of him exploring and just being too adorable for words;
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zps9pgjjbjp.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps9pgjjbjp.jpeg.html)
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/Mobile%20Uploads/th_image_zpsjaziawj9.jpeg (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/ambercalzone/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsjaziawj9.jpeg.html)

[Thin Lizzy]

That's a really cool playpen and Bernie is so enjoying it. Love the pics!

[Jenibelle]

I love the playpen. It's way larger than I expected, but that's a definite perk! I can sit in it with my legs spread out, or its large enough for the boyfriend and I both sit in it if we go cross-cross. I plan on bringing Bernie out every day in it.

[Coco61]

That looks terrific Jennibelle. Sounds as though you will all have fun in that not just Bernie! Sure it will bring the taming along too.

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
My mom says my "taming progress" is blowing her away! I guess I'm really impressing her. Today I didn't flinch when she pet me (and she did a lot!), both inside and outside of my cage. She's also so pumped that I climbed into her hands multiple times, and that I let her actually hold me (as in, her fingers were grasping me) at least three times! I honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about. I would be crazy not to love this woman... After all, it's her hands that bring me all these delicious bribes! Today she brought me so many new yummy treats... Millet, two different types of barley, buckwheat, yellow popping corn, oats, and many seeds! And I got a new bridge toy too.

Xoxo,
Bernie

[bogart]

I gotta ask where you ordered that playpen from. I love it! I'm thinking getting one would really help with taming Stan.

[Jenibelle]

Here is the link! :)

Amazon.com : E Support 150cm Foldable Portable Playpen Ball Pit Pool Playground Great for Children Kids Fun Outdoor or Indoor : Baby (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019DR0CTO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00)

[Thin Lizzy]

Aww Bernie you are truly adorable and so glad your enjoying your many treats from your mom's hands.
You're mom is happy because she feels accepted and loved by you. It's not always easy for us as owners and there can be set backs in bonding.

[Jenibelle]

Dear Thin Lizzy,
I think that must be it! As long as she keeps bringing me these treats, I'll give her all the love and acceptance in the world!

-Bernie

[Thin Lizzy]

Dear Bernie,

My owner Thin Lizzy had a few setbacks with me but never gave up and like you I too would be crazy not too love her, I do get some wonderful tasty treats from her wonderful, caring and safe hands.

Twinkle xx

[pinkneon]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! And I so LOL'd at his pics and the captions to go with them! Not read any of this thread, apart from your first post, so forgive me if I'm repeating anything ... Even though he seems quite tame it might be good to still give him a few days to settle in. My new little boy, Sweep, is pretty tame too. The pet shop handled him regularly and I even held him and each of hid brothers before deciding that little Sweep was the one for me, but I am still going to give him a couple more days to settle in. In a new environment they can get stressed, even more so if it's much bigger than they are used to, and they are away from their litter mates.
As far as age goes, I can't tell how old he is. He looks big to me, but I'm not really an expert! 3 months does seem a little old to be snuggled up with his brothers ... My Sweep is 8 weeks old (so 2 months old) and he was still snuggled up to his brothers at the pet shop too, so I don't really know?!
But he is lovely!

[Jenibelle]

He is a cutie, isn't he Pinkneon?
I wish I gave him some more time to settle in the beginning, but he's been home for over 2 months now and is doing great! :)

Your sweep is just so handsome, btw! I remember his pictures from yesterday, and his coloring is so beautiful.

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
I got up way earlier than usual today. I think mom was pleased with that, because she kept saying "Oh Bernie baby, I missed you!". I let her hold me again today, so she is ecstatic!

I got two new toys, but I haven't tried either of them out yet. One is a bridge that I can climb over, and the other is a see-saw. Mom was going to put the see-saw on my shelf until her and dad heard how much noise it makes! They quickly decided to move it onto my bedding to cushion the blow. I haven't used it yet though... But I may have to eventually, because they put those delicious treats on it to tempt me. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to resist the treats!

Speaking of treats, I tried romaine lettuce for the first time tonight. It was SO good. I really wanted more, but my parents wouldn't budge. Well... they wouldn't budge TOO much ;) I did manage to beg myself one small additional piece. They say I can't have a lot because too much of a good thing may upset my tummy. I guess they know best.

I was also weighed tonight. I came out to 137 grams!

Other than that, I've just been doing as hamsters do... running on my wheel of course.

That's all for now.
Xoxo,
Bernie

[pinkneon]

He is a cutie, isn't he Pinkneon?
I wish I gave him some more time to settle in the beginning, but he's been home for over 2 months now and is doing great! :)

Your sweep is just so handsome, btw! I remember his pictures from yesterday, and his coloring is so beautiful.

Thanks. He's a little monkey though! He's pushed all his toys into one corner and has made several nests but sleeps behind or next to them! I've also noticed he sits and eat at his bowl (or by the bowl if he's tipped it all out!) rather than pouch food ... He may well pouch it at night but everytime I hear him eating he's always by the bowl. And he eats soooooooooooooo slowly! One piece at a time, and then takes a few seconds between each piece! Not like a typical boy as most of them (human ones I mean!) stuff their faces! All hamsters I'ver ever had have pouched everything! I think with my first one, Harry, I didn't really understand the pouching thing (I was only 10!) and he would pouch the whole lot in one go, then run back to his bed, depouch then come back to the bowl looking for more! So of course if his bowl was empty I'd refill it!

Dear Journal,
I got up way earlier than usual today. I think mom was pleased with that, because she kept saying "Oh Bernie baby, I missed you!". I let her hold me again today, so she is ecstatic!

I got two new toys, but I haven't tried either of them out yet. One is a bridge that I can climb over, and the other is a see-saw. Mom was going to put the see-saw on my shelf until her and dad heard how much noise it makes! They quickly decided to move it onto my bedding to cushion the blow. I haven't used it yet though... But I may have to eventually, because they put those delicious treats on it to tempt me. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to resist the treats!

Speaking of treats, I tried romaine lettuce for the first time tonight. It was SO good. I really wanted more, but my parents wouldn't budge. Well... they wouldn't budge TOO much ;) I did manage to beg myself one small additional piece. They say I can't have a lot because too much of a good thing may upset my tummy. I guess they know best.

I was also weighed tonight. I came out to 137 grams!

Other than that, I've just been doing as hamsters do... running on my wheel of course.

That's all for now.
Xoxo,
Bernie

Hi, Bernie! Sweep here. I don't really play with my toys. I just throw them all in the corner! I don't get lettuce - what is that?? I have this pink human lady who keeps telling me I am "a good boy" but I don't really know why because I'm not sure what I did good!
Is the wheel that scary round thing? I have one in my home and I don't go on it. It just sits there scaring me. I LOVE digging though! Have you tried that? It is SO much fun!! I can dig forever and ever!
I gotta go and dig now. See you later!

[Jenibelle]

Hi Sweep! Sorry it took me so long to reply, I've been away from the computer for a bit. The wheel is the big round thing, but it's not scary! It's a lot of fun, and I hope you've built up tinge courage to try yours. I do dig, but only to get to my many boards. Digging is strictly business to me.

Xoxo,
Bernie

............
Dear Journal,
Long time no talk! Mom was sick for the longest time so I didn't have too much to update on. I've been left to my own devices for what feels like forever! I can't believe her... I was practically begging to be left out and I was completely ignored! Mom is all better now, but now dad is sick instead! And mom's back at school! So life is very boring for me right now.

Dad snapped this picture of me though. I'm growing a lot, huh?

Xoxo,
Bernie

[Thin Lizzy]

Growing into a beautiful boy!

[jennej]

I just happened upon this thread, and I just had to say that your little guy is adorable! Loved the pictures of him checking out his new digs and the captions were hilarious! :D

[Jenibelle]

Thank you! He is a cutie pie, and he really is getting so much bigger.

I miss my Bernie Baby so much. I was sick for 3+ weeks so I couldn't play with him while at home... and now I won't be home again until April 22nd! Thankfully after that visit the end of school is just around the corner (the first week of May), and I'll have 4 months straight with my little guy.

[oddlyoblivious]

Aww the taming progress is wonderful, and your cage is to die for.

[Pebbles82]

Ooh I LOVE the playpen! There are similar ones on Uk Amazon but they tend to be plain brown lol. It looks really big as well (Bernie looks tiny in it). They are great aren't they when you can get in with them and hammies seem so much easier to interact with away from their cage. Charlie is best when the playpen is in a different room to his cage as well.

I just checked your link - wondering what size you got - there seem to be five different sizes. Shame they don't ship to the Uk. It would be nice to have one permanently set up in another room (it's the kind of thing little boy would want to climb in as well).

[Jenibelle]

Thank for the compliments! I really love working on Bernie's cage :)

Serendipity: I bought the largest one, BUT it really is very large. You could easily go down a size or maybe even two and still have it be 'large enough'. This one is big enough for me to sit with my legs sprawled out in a v shape with him lol.

[Jenibelle]

Bernie was very, very grumpy with his mama yesterday.

Bernie decided that he wasn't going to live in his big, roomy house anymore.
Instead, he decided that making a huge nest under his wheel was the best plan of action. He piled up all of his bedding around his wheel, and he even used the sisal that was wrapped around the ugly PVC pipes to help keep everything together.

Well, that is until Mama had to come in an clean his wheel >.>
I messed up his cozy little bed in the process... but I tried to put it back as best as I could! Unfortunately, Bernie was not impressed with my attempts.

He instantly started digging in other parts of his tank.
I just don't understand why he suddenly hates his house o.O I peaked in there for the first time ever to see if maybe something was up. I thought maybe he was potty-ing in there and the ammonia was building up, making him not want to be in there... but nada, it's perfectly dry!

[CMB]

Maybe it's too warm in his house at the moment. Is the weather hot at the moment?

[Jenibelle]

Hmm, that may be it. It's definitely warming up, and our bedroom is the warmest place in the house.

[Pebbles82]

Maybe he's just lazy and wants to sleep as close to his wheel as possible lol! Sometimes they move their nest if it is disturbed or removed. I guess it's an instinctive thing as if a predator has been in their sacred place, so to be safe they nest somewhere else.

You could try giving him a bigger house with a bendy bridge over the door maybe - that might tempt him to go and build a nest in there :-) the other house is still a nice hide/bridge. I like Charlie's house having a lift-off roof - it means you can leave the house set into the substrate and check inside or spot clean inside, by taking the roof off, so the nest doesn't fall apart. You could make one out of a shoebox maybe - cut the bottom out of the box and use the lid of the box as a lift-off roof, and cut a door hole in the front :-)

I've tended to find if the house is big enough and has a tunnel over the door Charlie goes straight down the tunnel and builds a nest in the house - because it's nice and dark inside. Maybe he's just decided he has outgrown the other one.

Or you could make one. Charlie's new labyrinth house is just a box with partitions in really and holes cut in the roof and front and between partitions. Before that he had a big house that was open inside and that worked quite well too. The roof doubles up as another shelf/platform as well.

[Jenibelle]

Unfortunately to fit a bigger house in, we would have to some rearranging... which the Bernmiester does not approve of! Gah I love how expressive his little face is, but his stink eye is just too much XD

[Pebbles82]

Maybe the opposite end of the tank to the wheel? I think you had a tube there didn't you? You could always put the tube a bit further round, along the front maybe. Sometimes they like new things being added and that distracts from something else being moved :-)

[Jenibelle]

His tube and his potty. I'm afraid to move the potty incase he stops using it, though! Do you think that would be a problem?

[Jenibelle]

I think I'm going to have to sleep train Bernie!! I've been going to bed between 9-10, and waking up between 6-8, and I always seems to miss the little guy. The boyfriend says he's usually up 11-6.

I did manage to catch a picture of him during a water break though! But then he was right back to bed, and he didn't appreciate the popcorn treat I had ready for him XD
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-0/q81/p600x600/13221268_1307823335899685_8992986867485915461_o.jp g

[Snowz]

Haha, aw Bernie's adorable!
Love the photo, my Oreo usually wakes up around 7 (of course waking up at different points of the day to get a drink etc) :)
Hopefully the longer you have him, he might start waking up earlier instead of 11!

[Jenibelle]

Thank you! He's my cutie-patootie-pie haha

We've had him for 5.5 months now, but I've been out of state in school, so this is the first time that I'm actually able to be home constantly with him. I'd like to start getting him more on my schedule now that I'm home.

[Pebbles82]

Aw he is sweet on that photo. Charlie is the same - 11pm to 6am. Independent little guys! Charlie's been waking up earlier since the lighter nights, but also just comes out for a drink and goes back again.

[Jenibelle]

I wonder if that is their prime time out in the wild? haha

[Thin Lizzy]

Mega cute in that pic!

[Jenibelle]

Bernie says thank you :) hehe

[oddlyoblivious]

What a little charmer. I think it's possible just expect some grouch in essence on his part. Mine are up at about 8-9 eastern, I think because the breeder got them adjusted to that schedule.

[Jenibelle]

That was very smart of your breeder! Next hammy from us is coming from a breeder, I found a few the next state over :)

But Bernie Baby says hello :)
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13254535_1311636052185080_1080190434208756806_n.jp g?oh=09043498162e10e67b1916ff12cd0839&oe=57CFD017

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13221624_1311636038851748_4331831168714554186_n.jp g?oh=34a101af079606caec6049c1808f3fc3&oe=57D0DDAA

[cypher]

Aww hello Bernie :)
Lovely photos of the gorgeous guy!

[Coco61]

Hi Bernie, nice to see your cute face peeping out at the world!

[Jenibelle]

These photos were taken last night. He's going to be a grump tonight when he realizes that mama needs to clean his wheel.

[Pebbles82]

He has a teddy bear quality about him :-) He's lovely. Nice photos!

[Jenibelle]

Awh, he does look like a little teddy bear, doesn't he? <3

[Thin Lizzy]

Hello Bernie you are so very handsome.

[Jenibelle]

Bernie says thank you :)

[Jenibelle]

Bernie had his very first taste of some spinach last night. I think he likes it! :)
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p600x600/13239271_1318477404834278_8980970351502203602_n.jp g?oh=39865387b99f07448cb8050d3f103ac0&oe=57D3AE4B

[cypher]

Awww lucky boy! That is such a lovely photo :)

[Thin Lizzy]

Blooming gorgeous pic! Just look at his pointy ears and his little paws - oh my, so very cute!

[Jenibelle]

Thank you both! :)

[Jenibelle]

Dear Journal,
My mom cleaned my tank. It smells better now, so I guess that's good. She also scattered lots of food all over it, so I forgive her, even though she arranged my home just a bit too. She says my toys fit better this way. I say, "who cares how they fit, just as long as they do!"

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13516345_1333968999951785_5322380691624752549_n.jp g?oh=d1389bad0e3075c2fdf4545d5b5aa8fb&oe=57F65DD6
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13310452_1333969016618450_1031699475312965464_n.jp g?oh=49c8a98e7c2d8d89f5f03d73d1eee571&oe=57FE8649

I do enjoy digging and searching for my food though. I think mom is going to scatter feed more often now.
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13510978_1334830846532267_7509302335828460683_n.jp g?oh=732b27078ca9bf6577a60199503a3560&oe=58086777
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13507119_1334830833198935_3010962369307864824_n.jp g?oh=87eecee7cb2fda5d3c814373bc1500b4&oe=57C1FD4E

That being said, I also still like having my food bowl. I have easier ways to get on my shelf, but this is the funnest way to do it!
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13442171_1333997046615647_4055871593544325177_n.jp g?oh=0e2283cdb167c29bccdc0d7c207f47b4&oe=57F558F1
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13466332_1334830566532295_2458546873643013862_n.jp g?oh=e86ff1b971a1303be4da2ecd191b2351&oe=57FF11E9

I also like to squeeze into little spaces. I'm gaining weight, so this is how I see how big I'm getting.
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13445739_1333997049948980_493904875076945473_n.jpg ?oh=4d4f40b3e32e4500ac7e55701d3508c8&oe=57C46FD1

Alrighty, that's all the cuteness you can handle for now I'm sure. I wouldn't want any peoples to become hurt in the making of this journal entry. Bahbye hoomans!
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13516608_1334830589865626_844713483480680043_n.jpg ?oh=f1218510d181e5fd55fef379193458f3&oe=57F299A8

Xoxo,
Bernie

~~~~~~~~~
As a side note from Bern's mom, I know this picture is blurry, but it's just too funny. His expression looks like "Damn! She got one of me!"
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13528670_1334830573198961_9090284194365322842_n.jp g?oh=151dada1f392194e0c07158b3f110e89&oe=57F2BDB5

[Pebbles82]

Ooh it's looking lovely :-) Bernie seems to enjoy exploring it. The last photo is one of those looks I recognise - scare the camera away! I love the one of him nose diving off the seesaw ha ha.

[Jenibelle]

lol I guess he was done with my endless picture taking XD

I love that he's actually searching for food now! (that was the nose dive) I'm definitely going to scatter feed from now on, but I'll also leave a bit in his bowl in case he becomes lazy.

[Thin Lizzy]

Jenibelle, great pics, made me laugh and Bernie looking very cheeky and cute! I love his home and I also love how he's filling out too.

[Jenibelle]

Thank you Thin Lizzy :)

[Jenibelle]

Hi guys, I know it's been a while and I'm sorry I don't have new pictures to share right now, but I had to come on to tell you guys a cute little story :)

Bernie was running on his wheel with his cheeks STUFFED with food. The next time I looked, he was passed out sleeping on his wheel with food scattered all around him lol. It was the sweetest sight. He tired himself out so much he fell asleep right there, and all the food fell out of his cheeks and he was just in a big pile of treats on his wheel xD I love this little guy.

[flowerfairy]

Aww bless him. What a lovely image.

[cypher]

Aww sweet :)

[Jenibelle]

Bernie says hello! :)

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/BernieBaby_zpszjicxcwk.jpg

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/ambercalzone/BernieBaby2_zpsxljjwvfm.jpg

[Thin Lizzy]

Hello Mr Handsome!

[cypher]

Aww hello Bernie, good to see you again :)

[Jenibelle]

I tried to get a picture of him sitting in my hand last night but the angle was awkward and I couldn't snag it unfortunately! I just love how friendly mama's boy is.

Dad won his love over while I was at school by spoiling him with treats. I told him to sprinkle his food throughout his bedding and, as I'm sure you can see from the photos, he and I have differing opinions on what "sprinkle" means XD

[SKB_Hamsters]

Bernie looks so sweet in those photos, it so nice to see photos of him.

[Ezio]

Awwwwww, he's adorable!!!!!! :D